From the toss to the end of the match, the controversy over not shaking hands in the Pakistan-India match.

From the toss to the end of the match, the controversy over not shaking hands in the Pakistan-India match.

Sports Desk
Sports Desk

Published: 12:56 15 September 2025

After the loss to India in the Asia Cup in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced a new controversy. There has been a stir over the issue of Indian players not shaking hands with Pakistani players.

PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi said that match referee Andy Pycroft had prohibited the captains of the two teams from shaking hands during the toss before the match. Naqvi has complained to the ICC and demanded, "Pycroft should be removed from the Asia Cup immediately."

Naqvi also said that the match referee's behavior violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC's 'Spirit of Cricket' law.

Meanwhile, India secured victory in just 15.5 overs after chasing Pakistan's target of 128 runs. Not during the toss, but at the end of the match, the Indian players failed to shake hands with the Pakistani players. Captain Suryakumar Yadav went straight into the dressing room as soon as the match ended. The Pakistan players were waiting to shake hands.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha did not attend the post-match awards ceremony. Coach Mike Hesson told reporters that India's behavior was "disappointing". Pakistani media also reported that the Indian players did not even come out to meet the Pakistani fans standing outside the dressing room.

Mohsin Naqvi has issued two statements since the incident. First, after the loss, he accused the Indian players of "inflicting politics in the game" and "lacking sportsmanship". On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav said in a press conference, "Some things in life are more important than sportsmanship."

There are two match referees in the Asia Cup - Andy Pycroft and Richie Richardson. Pycroft has two more matches - Hong Kong-Sri Lanka in Dubai today and Pakistan-United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

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